The number of people thought to be sleeping rough in the city centre has more than doubled since this time last year.

At the official annual overnight count, 40 people were found to be sleeping on the streets. This compares with a figure of 19 at a similar count this time last year.

The rise has been described as “shocking” by city centre councillor Tim Bick, who has called for more money to be given to groups like Wintercomfort and Jimmy’s Night Shelter to help.

Cllr Kevin Price, executive councillor for housing at Cambridge City Council, said the rise had been higher than anyone had been anticipating.

“It is not unique to Cambridge though,” said Cllr Price. “The rise in rough sleeping is occurring across the country. We do spend a lot of money helping groups like Wintercomfort and Jimmy’s and there are a lot of things that are being done, but this is a number that’s higher than anybody had been prepared for. This is a government issue.”

Cllr Bick said the rise was “shocking”. He said he hoped additional funding could be found for helping rough sleepers in the city.

“I’d like to see a more orchestrated approach,” he said. “More lead workers to develop relationships, co-ordinate an individual’s case, build shared plans and keep mental health and addiction specialists on the case. The nature of police intervention for bad behaviour needs to support this. More hostel space may be needed too.

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“Though not unique to Cambridge, this is a challenge we should be at the forefront of addressing, emphasising humanity and tolerance. These shocking numbers demand an urgent response. Every day we delay, especially as winter takes hold, the lives of these desperately disadvantaged people are diminished and even shortened.”

Cllr Price said it was difficult to pinpoint exact reasons for the rise, but said that the cumulative effect of government cuts to benefits, coupled with the high cost of accommodation and living in the city, may be behind it. He said the city council was taking steps to address the problem, but that it was a national issue they needed more funding to address.

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Cllr Price said: “There are various funds that officers are applying for in order that we can do what needs to be done and spend more.

“These things come from benefits cuts over time. It has a significant effect on people’s support. Many people find themselves homeless as a result of expensive private tenancy. I haven’t seen anything that the Chancellor is doing that will improve that. It is difficult to see the